I’m installing a new 50 Amp subpanel for a kitchen and laundry room remodel and need to run 6/3 Romex back to it. I’m not running EMT because the walls will be covered and I thought this would be easier. Can I attach the 6/3 Romex directly to perpendicular joist or do I need to go through the joists as with smaller wire? The Code Check book was unclear on this. Also, in general, what are the codes and restrictions for drilling boring top plates? The house has one story over the garage, if that matters. Lastly, can I run two 14/2 or two 12/2 wires through one 5/8 hole, either in a joist or top plate? Code Check says nothing about top plates, just joists, girders, and studs.
Thanks much for any help.
Replies
I'll be interested in what the experts say about this.
I have always been under the impression that service wire for a subpanel had to be run through a conduit -- either PVC or EMT.
" Can I attach the 6/3 Romex directly to perpendicular joist or do I need to go through the joists as with smaller wire?"
Yes, if it is 8/3 or 6/2 or biggger. Othewise you either need to drill or run it along a running board.
"Also, in general, what are the codes and restrictions for drilling boring top plates? The house has one story over the garage, if that matters."
No electrical requirement, and I don't think that there is a structural requirement on top plates, but not sure.
"Lastly, can I run two 14/2 or two 12/2 wires through one 5/8 hole,"
Yes, but you need a bigger hole, 3/4 or 7/8.
And yes, you can run romex for this.
However, a few local codes require conduit for everything.
Thanks Bill,That's all pretty much what I'd understood, but just wanted to be sure before the inspector came out. Thanks for the confirmation. Also, I finally got someone at both building and electrical inspection here in San Francisco (They're particularly strict out here, so I'd assume that this would apply elsewhere) and they confirmed everything as well. They said up to three 12 or 14 romex cables through a hole, as long as they don't bind and have room to be pulled through easily. They also said, as we'd both sort of assumed I think, that there is no code for top plates, but just for safe measure follow the code for drilling and boring studs just in case.As for Romex versus conduit, it's okay above 8 feet or behind a wall unless local code forbids it.Thanks again
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